At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday after violent clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement personnel outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Mai Kolachi Road, rescue officials said. The confrontation began when demonstrators attempted to enter the consulate premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh. The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassan Ul Haseeb told Business Recorder, adding that 10 protesters were in critical condition. In a separate statement, the Edhi rescue service said law enforcement personnel used teargas shelling and baton charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a report from police authorities and directed that security at sensitive installations be further tightened. “No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands,” Lanjar said, warning that strict action would be taken against elements disturbing law and order. Authorities said investigations into the incident were underway.